Gutsy Learning Series
The Gutsy Learning Series (GLS) offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from Canada’s leading experts in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whether you're living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis—or supporting someone who is—you’ll connect with top researchers and healthcare providers as they explore key topics in a virtual setting.
Upcoming Webinars
Nutrition and Self-Management in IBD
Join us for an insightful webinar, Nutrition and Self-Management in IBD, featuring leading experts Dr. David Armstrong and Dr. Maria Ines Pinto-Sanchez. Discover how nutrition can impact your quality of life, learn to identify and address common nutritional deficiencies, and explore practical ways to move beyond restrictive eating toward long-term gut health.
From managing dietary choices during flares to confidently reintroducing foods during remission, our speakers will share evidence-based strategies for supporting a healthy microbiome, navigating therapeutic diets, and identifying personal triggers without unnecessary restrictions. You'll also gain valuable tips for eating out and maintaining a balanced relationship with food while living with IBD.
Plus, hear from Heba Iftikhar, who lives with IBD, as she shares her lived experience balancing nutrition, chronic illness, and the social realities of eating out and connecting with others over food.
Date: November 18, 2026
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm ET
Register Now!
Speakers
Dr. David Armstrong
Professor of Medicine, McMaster University
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hamilton Health Sciences
Dr. David Armstrong is a Professor of Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University and an active consultant gastroenterologist at Hamilton Health Sciences. He graduated from Cambridge University and King’s College Hospital in the UK, subsequently completing internal medicine training and specialized research fellowships before completing clinical gastroenterology training at McMaster University. His research and clinical interests focus on gastrointestinal diseases, nutrition, medical education, and clinical practice quality.
Dr. Maria Ines Pinto-Sanchez
Associate Professor of Medicine, McMaster University
Gastroenterologist, Hamilton Health Sciences
Dr. Maria Ines Pinto-Sanchez obtained her MD from the University of Cordoba, Argentina, and completed her Gastroenterology training at Dr. C. B. Udaondo Gastroenterology Hospital in Buenos Aires. She joined the Farncombe Institute at McMaster University as a clinical research fellow and obtained a Master of Science degree in Health Research Methodology.
Dr. Pinto-Sanchez is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University and provides consultation services in gastroenterology and nutrition at Hamilton Health Sciences. She is the Director of the Celiac Clinic at McMaster University and co-lead of Nutrition for Hamilton Health Sciences, with clinical and research interests focused on the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions, nutrition, and gluten-related disorders.
Lived Experience Speaker
Heba Iftikhar
Registered Clinical Counsellor & Professional Art Therapist
Vancouver, British Columbia
Heba is a first year medical student at the University of Alberta Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP). She was diagnosed with Crohn's five years ago and understands the challenges of managing diet and her treatment, especially living with limited access to care in rural Alberta.
Listening to other patients' stories inspired her to start her project, Trigger Tracker, which aims to make diet and symptom management easier. Outside of work and school, she loves to boulder, travel, try to get back into reading, and watch a lot of movies.
Event Details
This event will be offered in English, with live simultaneous interpretation in French.
Submit your questions ahead of time when you register or ask them during the session.
Can't join us? Register anyway and we'll send you a link to the recording!
Past Webinars and Videos
Missed a session? Catch up anytime! All GLS webinars are recorded and available for on-demand viewing on our Past Webinars and Videos Page.
Explore topics including:
- Medications and emerging treatments
- Diet and nutrition
- Flare and symptom management
- Mental health and wellbeing
- And more
Have Questions?
For more information and support, contact us at learn@crohnsandcolitis.ca.
The Gutsy Learning Series (GLS) webinars could not occur without the support of our generous sponsors: